When Russian and British aristocratic families discovered the mild winter climate of the Côte d’Azur(*) at the end of the nineteenth century, Saint-Jean was still just a hamlet within the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. It split away in 1904, initially baptising itself Saint-Jean-sur-Mer before becoming Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in 1907 – a much more evocative name! It quickly became the trendiest resort on the “French Riviera”, driven by wealthy visitors including King Leopold II of Belgium, who came here to pursue his secret love affairs... A success ‘capped’ off, if you’ll forgive the pun, in 1908 with the construction of the most sumptuous luxury hotel on the Riviera, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Each passing generation added a new chapter to the legend of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and the Roaring Twenties established this peninsula as the ultimate holiday destination for celebrities and royalty from all over the world. One of the first was British novelist Somerset Maugham, who bought a property here in 1927 as his main residence (and a source of inspiration for many of his novels) until his death in 1965. After the Second World War, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat capitalised on the reputation of the Cannes Film Festival to attract the world’s leading stars, from Edith Piaf to Elizabeth Taylor, and Jean-Paul Belmondo to Romy Schneider. A number of painters also fell for the stunning light on the headland, from Henri Matisse to Chagall and Picasso. But one of the creators who will have most marked Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is Jean Cocteau, a regular guest of the villa Santo Sospir (today located at 14, avenue Jean-Cocteau!). 

For the beauty of the peninsula 

It goes without saying that the real estate market of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is unique on the French Riviera. The luxury properties and Belle Époque villas are rarely available to rent, a privilege reserved for the world’s very wealthiest people. But the dream can come within reach in the two towns that lie on the north side of the peninsula and connect it to the mainland: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Make no mistake, these are by no means a second-rate option, given that they too epitomise the magic and glamour of the French Riviera! Their luxury villas and apartments with sea views are some of the most highly sought-after in the Alpes-Maritimes département, attracting a broad French and international clientele. Above all, those who rent at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer relish the stunning beauty of the peninsula, its gentle way of life, its beautiful beaches, and the constant pleasure of wandering the coastal path overlooking the bay, all the way to Saint-Hospice Point and its ancient chapel, a listed historic monument. One event music lovers cannot afford to miss is the Saint Jazz Cap Ferrat Festival held every August in the Jardin de la Paix with star acts including renowned international artists. Another focal point of life on the headland is the magnificent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, built in the Renaissance style between 1905 and 1912 and considered one of the most beautiful residences on the French Riviera. More than just a museum, it provides an insight into what the peninsula was like in the early twentieth century. Its gardens are well worth a visit, whatever the season.
Renting a property in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer or Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a great way to explore the hidden gems of the French Riviera not just in the summer, but at any time of year! 

(*) Where does the name “Côte d’Azur” come from? According to the website Provence-alpes-cotedazur.com, in 1887 the sub-prefect, Stephen Liégeard, a literary man and poet, wrote a book while by the sea. Captivated by the beauty before him, he was inspired to name his work “La Côte d’Azur”, which translates literally as “The Azure Coast”. He turned the title into a name, and the name went on to become synonymous with this corner of paradise.

In the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat area, we offer rentals in Cap de Nice, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cap d'Ail, Eze, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Menton, Beausoleil.